Organisers of the summer’s British Transplant Games are calling on North East businesses to show their support for almost 1,000 transplant athletes.

Marking 150 days until The Games arrive on Tyneside, organisers have set themselves the task of getting 150 businesses to support them.

Graham Wylie, chairman of the Games, said: “We really want to ensure the 2015 Games are the best yet. To help us do that, we really need the support of the North East business community – not just to raise funds – but to spread the word and inspire staff to sign-up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, volunteer, and to lace-up their running shoes and take part in the Donor Run.

“With 150 days to go until the Games take place, we want to try and get 150 businesses on board to help us in our mission to really make the NewcastleGateshead Games stand-out.”

National IT specialists, Technology Services Group, has already pledged its support. It is one of the first confirmed to be a sponsor.

Carole Beverley, from TSG, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved with such an inspirational event and are very proud to be showcasing our fantastic region to the visiting athletes.”

John Tims. director of MLS Contracts LTD, who have co-ordinated The Games for the past eight years, said: “In delivering the Games we are incredibly fortunate to work with some fantastic supporters including national charities and organisations.”

Lynne Holt, transplant co-ordinator at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, added: “The four day event celebrates the many incredible achievements of transplant athletes, and highlights not just the benefits of transplantation, but the desperate need for organ donors in the North East and across the UK.

“Here in the North East there are currently more than 300 people waiting for transplants, with on average the same number of people in the region receiving a transplant annually, but sadly around 30 people still die waiting. None of us would want to see a family member or friend suffer in this way and so I’d encourage everyone to help support the British Transplant Games by, as a minimum, signing-up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at NGI, said: “We’re proud and delighted that the British Transplant Games are taking place in the destination this summer. The competing athletes, their families and those of the donors who have given such an invaluable gift of life, are truly inspirational. We’ve been working hard to support the Games by helping spread the word to our partners, colleagues and wider audiences across the region, as well as encouraging everyone we know to sign-up to the Organ Donor and Anthony Nolan registers. We’re also planning on submitting a team to take part in the Donor Run, with staff already limbering-up to take part!”

The Games are organised by charity Transplant Sport from July 30 to August 2. Businesses who have pledged support: